Yep, I'm on the U2 bandwagon this evening. I always find Bono's wisdom in the spiritual realm to be, well, interesting - I don't know what his intention is with all of the songs he writes, but that's beside the point. In any case, I think Bono is right on with his lyrics here. Of course, the words to this song are really a take on the Magnificat of the Blessed Mother in the Gospel of St. Luke.
But still - the lyrics have captured an essential truth of our faith - only love can leave such a mark, only love can leave such a scar... It's true, only love can leave such a scar, and all we have to do is look at a crucifix to see that truth in the wounds of Christ.
I was struck today by the fact that the Gospel reading at Mass was the same as yesterday's - and also the same as last Friday's (though last Friday's was slightly shorter). For those who didn't see my post referencing it on Saturday, or who aren't Catholic, or haven't been to Mass lately, here it is (Jn 15:9-17):
Jesus said to his disciples:
"As the Father loves me, so I also love you.
Remain in my love.
If you keep my commandments, you will remain in my love,
just as I have kept my Father's commandments
and remain in his love.
"I have told you this so that my joy might be in you
and your joy might be complete.
This is my commandment: love one another as I love you.
No one has greater love than this,
to lay down one's life for one's friends.
You are my friends if you do what I command you.
I no longer call you slaves,
because a slave does not know what his master is doing.
I have called you friends,
because I have told you everything I have heard from my Father.
It was not you who chose me, but I who chose you
and appointed you to go and bear fruit that will remain,
so that whatever you ask the Father in my name he may give you.
This I command you: love one another."
Love leaving a mark, a scar, a visible change... love that bears fruit that will remain... "unless a grain of wheat falls to the ground and dies"... that is love that sacrifices. Sacrifice always leaves a mark. With this Gospel reading showing up three times in the past four days, it's clear that this is important, and we need to pay attention!! Love and sacrifice are so intimately bound up together, we can't have one without the other - and just as this was true for Jesus, it is true for us who follow him. Love changes us, it changes others, it endures... it sacrifices.
+Peace, and all good.
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